Bakery chain Greggs last night said it would make “strong representations” about the plan. A spokesman said: “We do not believe our freshly baked savoury products should be subject to VAT.”

Also hit is black beer, brewed in Huddersfield, which has so far been duty-free because of its “medicinal properties”. It will now be taxed as its 8.5 per cent strength means it is no longer considered a “health product”.